The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has 5 recalls, the most serious including a fire risk from aftermarket seat heaters, airbags that may not deploy in a rollover, and a rear suspension arm that can fail and cause sudden loss of steering control.
The seat heater concern involves aftermarket units where the copper heating element can short circuit and start a fire in the cabin. The airbag issue is specific to the roll detection system: a faulty sensor in the airbag assembly can disable the curtain shield airbags during a rollover, leaving occupants without that protection when they need it most. On the suspension side, rear tie rod lock nuts that were not properly tightened can allow the tie rod to fail, which can cause the vehicle to become unsteerable without warning.
The power window switch on certain RAV4 models can overheat if moisture and debris work their way into the switch housing, potentially melting the switch assembly and creating a fire or burn risk near the door panel. The fifth recall affects rear outboard seat belts: in a frontal collision, the belt can be cut by the seat cushion frame, leaving rear passengers with a belt that no longer holds them in place.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear suspension arms have lock nuts that may be loose after service. This can damage threads, cause rust, and lead to arm failure, making the vehicle's alignment suddenly change.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and seal the lock nuts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a frontal collision, the rear outboard seat belts may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window master switch may have inconsistent grease lubrication on its sliding electrical contacts, potentially causing the switch to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the switch and apply lubricant if needed, or replace the circuit board if abnormalities are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roll angle sensors in the airbag sensor assembly may fail. If one fails, the airbag warning light turns on, roll detection stops, and the curtain airbag won't deploy in a rollover. If both fail simultaneously, the curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner may deploy unexpectedly when not needed.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the entire airbag sensor assembly with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
